50% LPG supply boost brings relief to Vijayawada hotels

Vijayawada: The Union govt's decision to increase commercial LPG supply by 50% has brought a ray of hope to struggling hotel owners in Vijayawada, where hundreds of eateries were forced to shut down due to a severe cooking gas shortage.According to the Vijayawada Hotel Owners Association, over 200 hotels have remained closed for nearly ten days, impacting around 2,500 families dependent on the sector. With fuel becoming scarce and expensive, several small hotels attempted to continue operations using firewood, but rising costs made it unsustainable."We tried to manage with wood stoves, but it wasn't practical. Finally, the hotel had to close. I have not earned anything for days," said Sajja Ramesh, a hotel worker, highlighting the crisis faced by daily wage earners.Another worker, Kancherla Suresh, shared his concerns: "Our income stopped suddenly. We are struggling to support our families. We are hoping hotels reopen soon so we can get back to work."Hoteliers say the Centre's move has given them confidence to restart operations, though cautiously. Many hotels are now preparing to reopen, but plan to operate with limited menus to manage costs and uncertain supply.RV Swamy, president of the AP Star Hotels Association, said the situation is expected to improve gradually. "The 50% increase in LPG supply is a big relief. Most hotels will be able to reopen, though initially with restricted menus. We hope the govt will extend more support to stabilise the sector," he said.While the revival process has begun, hotel workers and small business owners alike are waiting anxiously for normalcy to return, as their livelihoods depend on the steady reopening of kitchens across the city.